New bus routes getting chilly reception from many riders

Transit officials might have reimaginged bus service in the Houston area, but the riders who rely on it for daily trips are asking them to rethink it again.

Since the redesigned bus system was approved in February, concerned riders have appeared at every Metropolitan Transit Authority board meeting worried the changes will leave some riders — notably elderly and low-income Metro users — a farther walk from convenient bus stops and with less effective bus service. Those concerns amplified this week during public hearings to discuss the changes.

Dozens of riders, ranging from disabled transit-dependent downtown workers to late-shift restaurant employees at Houston’s airports to elderly users afraid of half-mile walks, have voiced concerns about the new bus network, set to debut Aug. 16.

“It is the only transportation I have,” said Sharon Bomar, one of many residents of a senior apartment building at 2100 Memorial to oppose the changes.

Frequent critics of Metro, notably Paul Magaziner, have argued since 2013 the restructuring would be disastrous for transit-dependent people.

“It is a complete sham,” he said of the process, saying officials poorly studied the effects. “It had pre-determined results.”

Magaziner warned board members Friday he intended to file a complaint related to Title VI, the provision of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that forbids agencies that receive federal money, such as Metro, from discriminating against minority and low-income populations.

“The board and staff knew there would be opposition and suggestions for changes,” said Metro spokesman Jerome Gray. “That’s why we have had dozens of community workshops, meetings with elected officials and other stakeholders.”

Officials have defended the changes as necessary to develop a better bus system capable of luring more travelers out of their automobiles and giving more Houston area commuters a viable transit option.

A final decision will be made later this month on the details of each route and scheduling. Gray said the recent concerns will be reviewed and Metro planners will “see what if any changes could be made.”

Even with corrections, the new network will require riders to adjust. Metro officials, meanwhile, are asking riders to be patient and keep an open mind.

“I would encourage everyone to give it a chance before you throw it under the bus,” said former Metro board member Allen Watson, who left the board last month.